Pop in for a Pop-up at Rappcats

Nestled in a quiet corner of York Blvd is Rappcats. You may have seen the signage out front and wondered what goes on in there.

Rappcats, 5636 York Blvd. (Steffi Victorioso)

Eothen “Egon” Alapatt of record label Now Again Records plays host to pop-up record shops in the storefront space in front of the label’s offices. Not just any pop-up record shops – you will only find the most rare (and dope) records here. In September, DJ Shadow sold hundreds of LPs and other collector’s items from his personal collection here at Rappcats.

Chicago record label Numero Group has popped up at Rappcats from Thursday October 13 to Saturday October 15. They specialize in rare American soul, R&B, and funk. If you’re looking for funky sounds to sample, it’s a goldmine. And there’s no other place to find this catalog of rarities. “Record labels can’t necessarily carry 300 records from one label, so it’s an incredible way to connect people to stuff they’ve never seen, stuff they want to hear, stuff they’re curious about,” says Ken Shipley of Numero Group. You’ll also find rare T-shirts, posters, CDs, LPs, and more.

Get here fast because Numero is only here until Saturday October 15 from 12-7 P.M.

Coming up, Rappcats will prepare for a Mr Bongo pop-up with a special celebration on October 28 with Mr Bongo himself (Dave Buttle) and Egon playing a selection of Brasilian and global groove cuts. RSVP is required. The Mr Bongo pop-up shop will be open to the public on October 29.

You can find more information about upcoming pop-ups on the Rappcats Facebook page and on their website.

Steffi Victorioso

Creative Writer
at Happening In Highland Park

She’s a world traveler, culinary adventurer, and MMA enthusiast. Never one to back down, she doesn’t let a lactose intolerance get in the way of her love for pizza, milkshakes, or ice cream.